Match Preview: Sunderland vs Arsenal

The former England full-back and the Greece central defender were ineligible for Wednesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay victory at Middlesbrough having not arrived on Wearside in time to be registered, although striker Nicklas Bendtner cannot play against his parent club under the terms of his loan agreement.

Defender Matt Kilgallon has returned to training after an ankle injury, but he is short of match fitness after five games on the sidelines, while Lee Cattermole (hamstring), David Vaughan (ankle), Wes Brown (knee) and Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf) are still out.

Arsenal could have defender Kieran Gibbs back in the squad after his recovery from groin problems.

Striker Marouane Chamakh has returned from the African Nations Cup, but Gervinho remains away as Ivory Coast prepare for the final.

Defenders Carl Jenkinson (back) and Andre Santos (ankle) are still out, along with midfielders Abou Diaby (hamstring) and Jack Wilshere (ankle). Emmanuel Frimpong has returned from his loan spell at Wolves, but will be out for the rest of the season after needing surgery on his knee.